The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association is reminding members to pass along an important opportunity to the next generation. OOIDA is encouraging members to let their children, grandchildren, and legal dependents know that applications are open for the Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund.
Created in 1998, the Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund was established to support the educational goals of families connected to the trucking industry. The program is designed specifically for dependents of OOIDA members who are planning to continue their education after high school, whether through a college or a trade school.
Who is eligible to apply
Applicants must be at least a high school senior and no older than 22 years old. Children, grandchildren, and legal dependents of OOIDA members are eligible to apply.
OOIDA also notes that truck drivers who are not currently members, but have children or grandchildren seeking scholarship support, may want to consider joining the association in order to become eligible for the program.
Scholarship awards and amounts
Each year, five scholarships are awarded through the program. One recipient receives a $2,000 scholarship, while four additional recipients are awarded $1,000 scholarships.
Scholarships are renewable for up to three additional years, as long as recipients complete an annual renewal form and continue to meet program requirements.
What the application requires
Applicants must submit a completed application along with a 500-word essay addressing three specific questions:
- What are three positive aspects of the influence of the trucker in your life
- How does your choice of an educational goal utilize the strongest attributes of your personality
- What changes do you see on the road, in five or 10 years, that would improve the trucking industry
In addition to the essay, applications must include a high school or college transcript, proof of enrollment from an institution of higher education before funds are released, and a photo of the applicant.
How applications are reviewed
All submissions are reviewed by the OOIDA Scholarship Committee, which is appointed by the OOIDA Board of Directors. Essays and supporting materials are evaluated through a blind review process before scholarship recipients are selected.
OOIDA encourages students to apply early rather than waiting until the final deadline.
Important dates and notification process
Scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than February 1.
Recipients will be notified by letter following the Association’s Spring Board Meeting. OOIDA verifies enrollment directly with the institution and deposits scholarship funds into the student’s account. Funds are typically available during the first week of August.
Where to find applications and get more information
Required application forms and cover letter templates are available for download on the OOIDA website. Questions about the program can be directed to:
Charles Sperry
OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship Program
1 NW OOIDA Drive
P.O. Box 1000
Grain Valley, MO 64029
Email: Charles_Sperry@OOIDA.com
Recent scholarship recipients
The 2025 recipient of the $2,000 scholarship was Wyatt Arntt, son of OOIDA senior member Steve Arntt of Goodland, Kansas. The $1,000 scholarship recipients were Cooper Daniel, Madison Woehrle, Sig Halvorson, and Michael Rotondo. Owen Pingel was named the alternate.
For truck drivers supporting families who are planning for college or trade school, the Mary Johnston Scholarship Fund remains one of the ways OOIDA continues to invest in the future of trucking families.
Source: Truckers News
